PSY 4501

Description

Introduction to research methods in psychology. The primary emphasis is on behavioral research, but the approach can be applied in other fields as the broad basis of scientific thinking.

Objectives

Discuss the scientific method and its components.

Identify the independent and dependent variables in various research questions. Be able to define these variables using operational definitions.

Identify and evaluate the ethical principles governing research in psychology, including the role of the IRB, use of informed consent, debriefing, and the use of deception in research.

Identify the types of research questions best addressed through observations, surveys and experiments. Identify pros and cons of each research method.

Evaluate whether a study is properly designed and controlled, specifically in terms of avoiding potential confounds, avoiding bias, and preventing violations of various forms of reliability and validity.

Identify how researchers use common inferential statistical tests (such as t-tests and ANOVA) to interpret data. Interpret the results of statistical tests using null-hypothesis significance testing. Identify how statistical results are affected by sample size, effect size and power.

Identify the components of a manuscript for an APA-style research paper, including the Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, References and supplementary materials.

PreRequisites

PSY 1010

MTH 2023

Textbook(s)

Beginning behavioral research: A conceptual primer (Rev: 7)

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact Student Services at students@waldorf.edu